Martin Cox, of Maritime Matters, is reporting that the QE2 is slated to depart Port Rashid Dubai on October 18th. Interestingly enough she will sail to an undisclosed Chinese shipyard under her own power. It may include stops in Singapore and/or Hong Kong.

The QE2 is now flagged in Port Villa, Vanuatu.

I had heard through sources that the ship was always being kept in seaworthy condition. She was never traditionally laid up.They actually are employing a full time captain as well as a skeleton crew for maintenance.